Desert Iguana

Desert Iguana
Dipsosaurus dorsalis

Meet one of the most common lizards in the deserts of the southwestern United States! These stout, gray lizards roam the scrublands and creosote flats of the Sonoran and Mojave deserts. True to their name, desert iguanas are quite heat tolerant and can be seen out and about even during the most sweltering part of the day.

Their moderate size, lack of defenses, and relative commonness make them an important food source for predators of all types in the desert including raptors, snakes, and mammals. They are also frequently used in scientific research.

Our desert iguana, Godzilla, came with another iguana, the late Kaiju, from Cal State Fullerton as part of a research study for thermoregulation. They lived together for approximately two years until they were placed for permanent residence at Lindsay Wildlife Experience in 2018. Godzilla lives with our other desert lizards, Chucki and Guapo the Common chuckwallas!

Godzilla participates in target training. Desert lizards are naturally attracted to the color yellow (the coloro matches the creosote bush’s flowers!) so the yellow target stick that keepers use for training is their very favorite thing. Godzilla runs up to the target and receives his favorite treat, mealworms!